On the surface, owning a cat may seem like an easy job. After all, they are famous for being independent. While this is true, there are still many things to consider when caring for your pet cat. The following article will illustrate what exactly those things are. Read on and learn.
If you have outdoor cats, be sure to discourage pests such as coyotes, possums and raccoons by bringing cat food indoors at night. Feed your cats first thing in the morning, and make sure there is no food left at nightfall. This will keep your cats safe from attack and illness.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.
Do not feed your cat any kind of human food that contains bones in it. If you are giving your cat chicken or fish, be sure to remove the bones beforehand to prevent a choking hazard. Chop the food that you serve into small bits to make it easier to digest for your cat.
You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. Put it in a ventilated area to reduce odors. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.
Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. You should show them everything from how to properly carry the cat to the best ways to play with it. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.
Consider adopting multiple cats, especially it will be spending a significant amount of time alone. One cat can do fine alone, however two are not much more work or expense than one, and can keep each other company and entertain each other. This will stave off boredom, especially if you work long hours.
While children should help with the care and responsibilities of a cat, leave the litterbox duties to the grownups or older children. A cat’s litterbox can carry diseases and parasites. Since younger children may not follow proper handwashing procedures, this job is better left to those older and more responsible.
If your cat has to have a surgery such as being spayed or neutered, they will need rest when they come home. It is hard to keep a cat from jumping up on furniture, but necessary to avoid pulling out stitches. Designate an area in your house for your cat to recuperate where they will be less likely to injure themselves, until they are healed enough to roam free.
If your cat goes outdoors a lot, the chances are good that they come home filthy once in a while. When your cat is especially dirty or smelling like a skunk, you should make an appointment with the local groomer. Groomers will be gentle with your cat, resulting in a less traumatic experience.
Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. A naturally curious cat will readily wander out an open door or window. Tags should include contact information for you and your vet. This is especially true for cats with medical conditions.
Cats have an uncanny ability to always find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat to familiarize themselves with the smells of your new place. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
If your cat is nursing a litter of kittens, it is vital that she have plenty of food and water near her nesting area. Mother cats are very protective, and do not want to leave their kittens for long lengths of time. Your cat can become dehydrated or malnourished just because she does not want to leave her kittens to eat and drink.
When you are looking to finally adopt a new kitten, but don’t want to spend big bucks on an expensive bloodline, you should investigate your local shelters. Most animal shelters offer dogs and cats that need a home badly, regardless of their heritage or costs.You may be able to find a similar cat with a different cost.
When adopting a cat, consider adopting two. Cats are social creatures, and they prefer to be in the company of other feline friends. Having two will help to keep your kitty occupied, and it can make it easier to take care of your new pet. If owning two is not an option, make sure to spend extra time giving your cat love.
Your kitty may love table scraps, but they aren’t cat friendly. Human food isn’t always good for cats. When you want to give your cat a treat, feed him no more than a tablespoon of boiled chicken or beef. You don’t need to overfeed a cat, though, or he can become overweight.
When it comes to owning a cat, there are several responsibilities every owner must be aware of. Having read the article above, you should now have a good idea of what those responsibilities are. Be sure and implement the advice mentioned in order to keep your cat healthy and happy.
